Diffusion-Weighted MR Hysterography: Initial Evaluation and Determination of Optimal Imaging Timing During the Menstruation Cycle

Wenche M. Klerkx¹, Taro Takahara², Qvinny Leemans², Thomas C. Kwee², Peter Luijten², Willem P. Mali²

Hysteroscopy, saline infusion sonohysterography, and hysterosalpingography are commonly used for the evaluation of uterine pathologies, but are invasive and operator-dependant procedures. MRI does not have these disadvantages, but evaluation of the shape of the uterine cavity is often difficult using conventional MRI. MR hysterography, using a diffusion-weighted sequence based on the concept of Diffusion weighted Whole body Imaging with Background body signal Suppression (DWIBS) may be an excellent alternative. In this study, we introduce the MR hysterography technique and show that the best visualization of the uterine cavity can be obtained in the follicular phase of the menstruation cycle.